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George Clooney cast his Oscar vote for Jeff Bridges -- really!

March 23, 2010 | 8:00
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During Oscar weekend, George Clooney ("Up in the Air') told pals and journalists that he had voted for Jeff Bridges ("Crazy Heart") for best actor. We hear lots of that during Oscarmania — many nominees striving to appear humble by insisting that they personally support a rival's work. But should we believe them?

Notorious prankster George Clooney wasn't kidding.

"Clooney punched his ballot for Jeff Bridges -- and then photographed it and sent it to his fellow nominee," reports the New York Post. Said Clooney's publicist, Stan Rosenfield: "Story is true. According to George, 'It was an amazing performance.' He also told Jeff, 'If you don't win, you can't blame me.' "

Of course, there's something a bit fishy about this report. Oscar ballots aren't punched. They're marked with pen. Maybe the Post reporter was confused … or else George voted while in the state of Florida.